Charlotte'S Chicken Soup
A hearty chicken soup with tender meat, fresh herbs, and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings, combining savory broth with noodles or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cut into 8 to 10 pieces, skin removed, bone-in ⓘ
- 8 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 large garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme ⓘ
- 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, sliced ⓘ
- 8 ounces dried wide egg noodles or 1 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken parts dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken in a heavy Dutch oven with 1 teaspoon canola oil over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning once.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Using tongs, transfer chicken to a large bowl and let cool.
- Debone the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Skim fat off the broth and return it to a simmer.
- Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and thyme to the broth.
- Simmer until vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in noodles or rice and cook until tender, about 5 minutes for noodles or until rice is done.
- Return chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can use potatoes instead of noodles or rice. Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary can enhance the taste. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it can be substituted for the raw chicken to save time. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch to the presentation. It pairs beautifully with Classic Chicken And Grape Salad for a light lunch or dinner. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charlotte'S Chicken Soup contains roughly 510 calories, with 20g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this soup?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but keep in mind that it may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it back to the soup. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this recipe.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this chicken soup gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice. Always check the labels of the chicken broth and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious bowl without gluten.
What can I do if I don't have fresh thyme?
If you don't have fresh thyme, you can easily substitute it with dried thyme. Use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, you can try other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).